General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Nd,Ce,La,Pr,Sm,Gd)(P,Si)O4
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 240.72 gm)
Lanthanum 14.43 % La
Cerium 11.64 % Ce
Thorium 4.82 % Th
Silicon 2.92 % Si
Phosphorus 9.65 % P
Neodymium 29.96 % Nd
Oxygen 26.59 % O
Empirical Formula:
Nd0.5La0.25Ce0.2Th0.05(PO4)0.75(SiO4)0.25
Environment:
Granitic pegmatites.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1980
Locality:
Mars Hill, Madison County, North Carolina.
Name Origin:
From the Greek monazeis - "to be alone" in allusion to its isolated crystals and their rarity when first found.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Distinct, [100] Indistinct
Color:
brown, red, yellow, or orange.
Density:
4.8 - 5.5, Average = 5.15
Diaphaniety:
Translucent
Habits:
Crystalline - Fine - Occurs as well-formed fine sized crystals., Twinning Common - Crystals are usually twinned.,
Hardness:
5-5.5 - Apatite-Knife Blade
Luster:
Adamantine - Resinous
Streak:
grayish white
More details...